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PHILADELPHIA — It is an area that has received the lion’s share of criticism during the opening third of the Winnipeg Jets 2013 season.

Although the Jets penalty-killing unit remains dead last in a 30-team league, it is showing signs of life heading into Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Not only have the Jets killed off the last six power plays they’ve faced, they were able to survive their first 5-on-3 disadvantage in five tries in Thursday’s 4-3 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes.

“We’ve been getting better and better, hopefully we continue to do well,” said Stuart. “We weren’t getting the production from the kill during the first part of the season, it’s nice to have some success over the past few games.”

The Jets are 7-8-1 on the season, just two points out of first place in the Southeast Division standings and two points behind the Flyers (8-10-1) and looking to extend their three-game road winning streak.

By only allowing four goals in their past 23 shorthanded opportunities during the past eight games, the Jets have seen their efficiency percentage move back to 70%, which is a significant step in the right direction.

“With any team, you want to have the special teams (combined) percentage over 100% and 80% (on the penalty kill) is a good goal for our team. It’s going to take a lot of work, but realistically, that’s where we’d like to end up by the end of the season,” said Jets forward James Wright. “We’re just kind of getting back to basics, with how we’ve been taught to play. Making sure on our clears, doing the little things, blocking shots and sacrificing for the team.

“The PK is out there to outwork the power play. If that’s what you do, you’re going to be successful.”

AROUND THE GLASS

Jets winger Antti Miettinen (upper-body) continues to make progress and is closing in on making his first appearance of the season. “It’s up to the coach to see when and where I can jump in,” said Miettinen, noting his conditioning is not an issue. “I feel great.”...The Jets held an optional skate on Friday, with 11 skaters and goalies Eddie Pasquale and Al Montoya (lower-body) hitting the ice...The Flyers, who took Friday off, won the first meeting of the season between the two clubs on Feb. 12, earning a 3-2 victory at MTS Centre as Tye McGinn provided the eventual game-winning goal.

Winnipeg Jets penalty killing shows marked improvement

PHILADELPHIA — It is an area that has received the lion’s share of criticism during the opening third of the Winnipeg Jets 2013 season.

Although the Jets penalty-killing unit remains dead last in a 30-team league, it is showing signs of life heading into Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Not only have the Jets killed off the last six power plays they’ve faced, they were able to survive their first 5-on-3 disadvantage in five tries in Thursday’s 4-3 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes.

“We’ve been getting better and better, hopefully we continue to do well,” said Stuart. “We weren’t getting the production from the kill during the first part of the season, it’s nice to have some success over the past few games.”

The Jets are 7-8-1 on the season, just two points out of first place in the Southeast Division standings and two points behind the Flyers (8-10-1) and looking to extend their three-game road winning streak.